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While travelling though our country, you can often find groups of Zantedeschia aethiopica with their large green leaves and white spathes standing tall in a wetland or marshy area where the rhizomes take advantage of the wet conditions and rich soil which keep them evergreen.

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Before Van Riebeeck established a refreshment station at the Cape of Good Hope, this arum lily caught the eye of botanists and found its way to Europe in the 17th century. Our plain white arum has since morphed into what we have today - fantastic calla lilies in the most amazing colours and popular around the world. The deciduous summer rainfall species Z. Pentlandii and Z. Rehmannii with their narrow sword-like leaves also caught attention and growers in New-Zealand and The Netherlands and used them to breed fabulous arums in unbelievable colours which are popular the world over called calla lilies. These wonderful plants can be grown in the garden, but are more well known as houseplants to bring a touch of colour and brightness to the indoors.

How to get the best out of them

• Plant in rich, well-draining soil with added compost and drainage materials like bark chips or vermiculite.

• Give them plenty of water. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Place in a brightly lit position and away from heating or air-conditioning units and drafts.

• Feed regularly – at least once a month in the growing season with a balanced liquid plant food.

• Reduce watering and feeding whenthe plant starts dying down in autumn and store the pots in a cool, dark place until spring. Cut off any dead foliage and stems. You can also lift and store the rhizomes to replant.

Problem solving

With proper care, calla lilies are easy to look after. However, there may be a time when they need some extra care. Here are some of the common problems and how to deal with them: